Good News Friday: Big Deals - December 6, 2013

Les and Pam McCurdy, owners of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre in Sarasota, have announced plans to move to a new location in downtown Sarasota, 1923 Ringling Blvd., the former home of Shaner’s Pizzerria and Horse Feathers Grill & Lounge. The McCurdys plan to open in the new space by late March 2014, after renovations. Pam McCurdy says they were not actively seeking a new location when the owner of the building, Mark Kauffmann, approached them about leasing the space. “It had been several different places that weren’t successful,” she says, “and they felt that we can make questionable spaces successful.”

The McCurdys had two main criteria: parking and an interior lounge area for guests. “Parking is the number one concern,” says McCurdy. “We would go down there on nights and weekends to watch, and it was always accessible.” The building is attached to a parking garage, with the Synovus Bank garage next door and the Hollywood 20 garage a block away. The second condition, an interior lounge space, is an improvement over the current location. Right now, guests waiting to get into a show have to wait outside, in what McCurdy calls the “birdcage.” The new building, which also includes a full kitchen, allows for a comfortable holding area before guests move into the main theater. The theater and holding area will both be used for workshops, seminars and community events throughout the week.

Pam McCurdy says the eight-month process of finalizing the lease has been a positive experience. Fourteen years ago, when they opened their current location at 3333 N. Tamiami Trail, city leaders were discussing plans to build up that area, calling it the gateway to Sarasota. “But it’s still a challenged area,” McCurdy says. She admits that being in an affordable space helped them stay open during the recession, but now they are ready for the move downtown. “The Kauffmanns have been very generous,” she says. “They’re smart, and they’re invested in our community. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Rose Avenue Holding, LLC has purchased 3900 Clark Road, Building B, Suites 3 and 4 from American Family & Geriatric Care, P.A. for $415,000. The new owner will move into 2,190-square-foot space after a 60-day build-out period. Eric Massey with Michael Saunders & Company handled the transaction.

Dr. Padmini Rajan has purchased a 1,500-square-foot medical office at 3900 Clark Road, Unit H-5, Sarasota, from Dr. Charles D’Amico. Rajan currently leases another unit in the complex and will move the practice to the new location after minor improvements. The office is scheduled to open by Dec. 15. Ken Hoskinson and Joe C. Hembree of Hembree & Associates, Inc. represented the seller.